Horse games are a great way to break up the monotony of riding around a ring or practicing the same things over and over. As a competitor, practice makes perfect, BUT it can make a sour horse AND a sour rider.
The ideal session would have some good practice, then a break for a quick game and repeat. OR, you can play a game at the end of your session to end on a fun, positive note. Horse games help both the horse and rider’s mindset. –Practice becomes enjoyable and not a chore.
Run and Play
Horse games that involve speed can be a good release for horse and rider. Ever try to run a barrel pattern? How about pole bending or using cones as an obstacle course. You can even canter on a loose rein from one end of the arena to the other – letting horse and rider do whatever speed and on their own timing.
A few small races can be fun with friends, be sure to give enough space and watch for any horses that might get too excited. A follow-the-leader game is fun too. The leader sets the pace (its good to start slow) as the game continues.
Where the Nose Goes Game
Where the Nose Goes is a fun game that stimulates your horses’ brain and uses other senses. You can place different objects around the ring or paddock. You can ride (or hand walk) your horse to the object and let them touch it with their nose.
This helps desensitize them as it gets their brain thinking about something else rather than practice. It also helps horses build their confidence because they are facing things that may look unusual and unfamiliar.
It is best to visit a new object in the Nose Game with no rider. Hand walk your horse to the item and let them touch it with their nose. As they pass each test and gain confidence, you can then try it from the saddle.
The Soccer Ball
The Soccer Ball is also known as a Mega Ball or Jolly Mega Ball. This ball is no ordinary soccer ball. This ball is a 25-inch inflatable ball that can come with a cover if you choose to use it, but otherwise it’s fine without.
There are tons of videos online with horses enjoying their soccer ball and playing with it. Many horse trainers use this giant ball to break up training sessions, which helps the horse actually focus more.
It’s a fun way for the horse and rider to try something new. Pushing the soccer ball gives horses something new to focus on and play with and is an excellent cognitive stimulant.
You can use this when you ride to break up training sessions, or you can use it when you turn your horse out so they can play with it. It is a great addition to any training program and is a great toy to help with boredom.
Obstacle Courses
Obstacles courses are fun because they can involve a ton of different items. You can use cones, poles, tarps, pool noodles, logs, tires, flags, and barrels to create a course. This should be done on the ground first, so the horse learns these are not terrifying, horse-eating objects.
Courses with cones and poles are a good beginner’s obstacle course to try. As they master the course you can set up different, harder courses with flags and other elements they do not normally see.
One they learn to trust you and can move through the course with you on the ground, try it from the saddle.
A Word of Caution
Horse games can be fun and exciting – sometimes too exciting for horses. Watch for any biting, kicking, bucking, etc. If the horse continues to act up, switch to a quieter game like the nose-touch game or see if they can move the soccer ball instead. Allow plenty of space with games that involve other horses.
The benefits of playing games are very impressive. Horse games make riding fun and interesting for everyone involved, especially your horse. The next time you ride, take some time and horse around 😊
Related Content You Might Enjoy:
Back to Basics- Horseback Riding Skills Every Rider Should Know
The Most Crucial Horseback Skill Every Rider Needs to Learn
Fear of the Fall: How to Regain Your Confidence Horseback Riding